Moscow Calls for Calm Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions Following Deadly Clashes

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise caution following a significant escalation in violence between the two nuclear-armed nations. This exchange of heavy fire marks the most serious confrontation since 2019, when the countries nearly went to war.

On Wednesday morning, India launched missile strikes against Pakistan, asserting that this action was in response to a recent assault in which 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan characterized India’s strikes as an act of war and initiated its own counterattack.

The Indian government claimed that its military targeted nine locations in Pakistan associated with «terrorist infrastructure.» In response, Pakistan denied these assertions, stating none of the sites were training camps for militants.

According to Islamabad, at least 38 individuals lost their lives in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab region. Meanwhile, India reported that 12 of its nationals died amid the severe exchange of gunfire.

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern regarding the heightened military tension between India and Pakistan following the terrorist incident near Pahalgam.

The ministry called on both sides to show restraint to avoid further escalation and emphasized the importance of resolving tensions through peaceful and diplomatic avenues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, extending condolences for the civilians who lost their lives in the attack in India-controlled Kashmir last month.

The Kremlin noted that both leaders underscored the importance of a relentless fight against terrorism in all its manifestations. However, there was no immediate comment from the Kremlin regarding the recent outbreak of violence on Wednesday.